Removable Batteries to Make a Comeback: All Smartphones Worldwide by 2027
EU Law Mandates Removable Batteries in Smartphones for European Market by 2027
In a move aimed at ensuring greater device maintainability and reducing electronic waste, the European Union has passed a new law requiring smartphone manufacturers to produce devices exclusively with removable batteries for the European market starting in 2027. This means that major players in the industry, including Apple and Samsung, will have to adapt their upcoming smartphone models to accommodate this requirement.
The introduction of this law is expected to standardize smartphone configurations and minimize the need for different versions of the same device for various markets. By making batteries easily replaceable, users will no longer require specialized skills to carry out the task themselves, thus extending the service life of their mobile devices.
While this development holds potential benefits for environmental sustainability, it is likely to result in thicker smartphones in the future. Manufacturers have traditionally justified the use of non-removable batteries by highlighting the advantage of thinner device profiles. However, with the implementation of this law, the focus will shift towards enhancing maintainability rather than prioritizing ultra-thin designs.
Unsurprisingly, some manufacturers, notably Apple, may express dissatisfaction with the new law. The tech giant has previously opposed the adoption of a standardized connector in smartphones, pushing for the continued use of its proprietary Lightning connector. However, the EU’s decision to mandate the USB-C connector last year marked a significant setback for Apple’s efforts to maintain exclusivity.
With this latest EU law, the smartphone industry will undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. The shift towards removable batteries will undoubtedly impact the design and functionality of future devices, ultimately offering consumers greater control over their smartphone experience and contributing to a more sustainable electronic landscape.
Source: ORIENT news
